What Google Glass Can Do for IT

Google Glass could drastically change the way consumers interact with their surroundings but what potential does this technology hold for the professional IT world?

Google X Labs, the experimental division of the ubiquitous search giant, is walking a fine line between mere novelty and watershed technology with the forthcoming release of Google Glass. Until the device sees widespread release, we can only speculate on the complete impact that augmented reality technology will have on business & IT. However, some speculate that if the device conquers the consumer market, the paradigms of both would see a major shift. Like the iPhone & iPad before it, Google Glass can change the world in unpredictable ways. Before pondering that, let’s look at the basics.

Though the full specifications are still being hashed out, official videos & images have shed some light on the device. At a quick glance, Google Glass is a minimalist pair of shades without lenses. The sleek prism display gives users hands free access to an interface with a set of embedded apps that include Google search, photo & video recording, GPS guidance, and a “hang out” video chat feature that brings your audience into your first person view. All of these features function through the simple voice command “ok glass”, as will any subsequent apps. Though there are more features to come from Google Labs, the most intriguing prospects may originate from independent developers.

Through the Google sponsored #ifIhadglass campaign, many developers (in addition to entertainers, business moguls, and politicians) had a chance to win a VIP opportunity to purchase the device. Using their Twitter accounts, each applicant presented his or her case for a chance to buy & beta test the Google Glass Explorer Edition. The eclectic mix of proposals from the winners suggests incredible potential for business.

One proposed app could help users quickly check the reputation of prospective vendors. Another proposed app could let Google Glass users broadcast their skills for other users to see, helping connect job seekers & employers in unique ways. Other proposed apps that could impact paramedics, teachers, customer service reps, musicians, and countless other professionals can be found here. Needless to say, once one business in an industry adapts this technology, others would be foolish not to quickly follow. Entire sectors could conceivably change with a simple voice command and the blink of an eye.

For members of the IT community, Google Glass could make Android savvy members an even hotter commodity than they already are. This augmented reality headset is powered by Android, giving any business with aspirations to tap into the Google Glass app market incentive to staff their workforce with developers that possess nimble fluency in Android related skills. In general, the demand for mobile languages & SDKs is expected to see a sizable hike as other goliaths of the tech world (Apple, Microsoft, Sony, and even the Chinese search firm Baidu) prototype similar devices. If & when that happens, anyone with mobile app coding experience will be fending off hiring managers & recruiters by the droves.

Whether or not Google Glass remains vaporware or becomes the inception point for industry change will depend upon its reception during the official release. Until that point, we can only imagine the possibilities.

Give us an idea of what you think. Are you excited for Google Glass to hit the market? In what other ways can augmented reality technology change the professional sector? What problems could this technology pose? Let us know in full below!